In one-room schools, all students were taught together. They were common in small towns and rural areas in many countries during the 19th and early 20th centuries. They are still found today in developing countries and isolated rural areas.

The buildings were simple barn-like or church-like constructions, sometimes with a school bell. There was usually only one teacher per school, often a former student. The school room was the centre of the community for many small towns, with town meetings also held there.